3 days Ago
Thirty-nine people from Sussex have been featured in the King’s New Year Honours list. Recognised for their outstanding contribution to a variety of sectors, the list aims to reward those from different backgrounds and types of work. Trevor Beattie, 67 from Hove, was one of the proud recipients, being made an MBE for his services to the natural environment.
Trevor Beattie, from Hove, has been made an MBE (Image: Trevor Beattie) He said: “It was a complete surprise; it was very unexpected. A good surprise but also, I think it’s recognition for the whole team at the South Downs National Park, because it’s a huge team enterprise and they’re brilliant.” Trevor was the first chief executive of the South Downs National Park and led on numerous projects which have had a significant benefit to the local environment and community.
He hopes that others will help to play their part: “I think we all need to be motivated and encouraged to get stuck in to protecting and defending nature because it needs champions.” Marion Hemsworth, 74 from Haywards Heath, received a British Empire Medal (BEM) for her services to wellbeing and to the community in West Sussex. Marion with a group of J and M runners (Image: Marion Hemsworth) Since setting up her own running club in 2010, Marion has held many events to support the community as well as raising thousands of pounds for charities.
She credited the support of others to her nomination: “Everything I’ve done has been with other people and they’re not necessarily getting the credit, whereas I’m getting the credit. But you can’t do any of this without others. “It’s not just me, you can’t do it all your own.
It’s with other people, using their enthusiasm and their skill set to help with what you can do.” Jennifer Dobson, 74 from Crawley, also received a BEM for her work volunteering at a local parent and toddler group. Jennifer Dobson, from Crawley, was recognised for her services to the community in Crawley (Image: Jennifer Dobson) She said: “My reaction is as you might expect – surprised and very pleased, but also a feeling of 'I’m not sure I deserve this'.
“The group was set up in 1983 by vicar’s wives and then moved onto someone else and then they left and suddenly I found myself holding the baby, as it were." Jennifer has been involved in the group for thirty years. She said, “Education and children are my thing.
Children are such wonderful things to watch, especially the tiny ones, it’s so fascinating to me to see how they grow and learn.” Christopher Sprules, 73, from Arundel, shared his excitement to be receiving a British Empire Medal for his services to cycling. Christopher, from Arundel, received a British Empire Medal (Image: Christopher Sprules) The 73-year-old has helped to grow cycling group Sustrans in Sussex, as well as working on projects to encourage people to walk or cycle.
He said: “I’ve been cycling 60 years, and I just love it. One of my early successes was getting cycling on the promenade in Bognor and Littlehampton – it took about five years and it’s now a beautiful way to travel along the coast. “In essence I’m trying to get people off the road and into cycling and enjoying the beautiful countryside we have down here.
” Married couple Alex and Dom Warren, from St Leonards-on-Sea, were also among residents to be recognised. Dom and Alex Warren are both featured in the honours list, each receiving an MBE (Image: Dominic Warren) The pair set up ‘Dom’s Food Mission’ in 2015 and said that their nomination felt ‘surreal’. Other recipients include author Dame Jacqueline Wilson, who is made Dame Grand Cross - the highest honour - alongside many other people who’ve made a difference within communities across the county.
Recipients will receive their awards from a member of the Royal Family at ceremonies in the New Year..
